Frankenstein: the Monster's Physiological Needs

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Physiological Needs: Concrete Details: “Food, however, became scarce; and I often spent the whole day searching in vain for a few acorns to assuage the pangs of hunger…” (Chapter 11, page 103) “I felt tormented by hunger and thirst. This roused me from my nearly dormant state, and I ate some berries which I found hanging on the trees or lying on the ground. I slaked my thirst at the brook; and then lying down, was overcome by sleep.” (Chapter 11, page 105) Analysis: The most basic of the needs according to Maslow are the physiological needs-- like food, water, warmth, and sleep--and are basically necessary only for survival. Most humans take these needs for granted. Young humans are effortlessly bestowed these things by their parents or caretakers daily; they do not have to struggle like the Monster did to find these things, like a few acorns or berries. So, this hardship sets him a part from the rest of humanity immediately after his creation, foreshadowing the higher levels of needs that he will also struggle to fulfill, while his human counterparts (including Victor his creator) can fulfill them with no trouble. The amount of determination that went into fulfilling his physiological needs highlights his abandonment and lack of help that Victor put him through, but also demonstrates his intention to reach self-realization. The basic human needs can only be fulfilled from assistance of other human beings; however, the monster manages to meet these needs alone; this demonstrates his quest for survival and

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